It’s National Make-A-Will Month! How to Inspire Your Donors to Protect Their Loved Ones and Secure Their Legacy
August is National Make-A-Will Month, and what better time to encourage your donors to make or update their will for the important reasons we all know. And as part of your donors’ review of their assets, wishes, and plans, we can hope they are motivated to consider and include your organization as part of their legacy. It’s never too early to have a will in place, just as it’s never too early to find a place in it for your beloved causes.
Here’s how you can communicate this message to your donors to encourage them to take action today.
Step 1: Make Compelling Reasons
Why Create or Update Your Will?
- Protect Your Loved Ones: A will allows you to specify how your assets will be distributed, ensuring your loved ones are taken care of according to your wishes. Without a will, the state or others will decide how your assets are divided, which may not align with your intentions.
- Appoint Guardians for Minor Children: If you have minor children, a will enables you to designate a guardian to care for them. This decision is vital for their well-being and provides clarity and direction in a difficult time.
- Minimize Family Disputes: Clearly outlining your wishes in a will can help prevent misunderstandings and conflicts among family members, providing a clear path forward during a challenging time.
- Simplify the Legal Process: A well-drafted will can simplify the probate process, reducing the time, effort, and expense required to settle your estate.
- Support Charitable Causes! Including charitable donations in your will allows you to leave a lasting legacy and support causes that are important to you. You can make a significant impact on the organizations you care about, such as *insert your organization*, ensuring our continued success. No amount is too big or too small: what may be a very insignificant portion of your remaining assets to you could have a significant impact on the organizations you support.
Step 2: Provide the “How to”
Steps to Create or Update Your Will
- Take Inventory of Your Assets: List all your assets, including property, investments, personal belongings, and financial accounts. This inventory will help you understand what you have and how you want to distribute it.
- Choose Your Beneficiaries: Decide who will inherit your assets. These can include family members, friends, and charitable organizations like *insert your organization*. Be specific in your designations to avoid confusion.
- Select an Executor: Choose a trustworthy person to execute your will. This individual will be responsible for managing your estate, paying debts, and distributing assets according to your wishes.
- Appoint Guardians for Minor Children: If applicable, designate guardians for your minor children to ensure their care and well-being.
- Consult with an Attorney: Work with an estate planning attorney to draft or update your will. They can provide valuable guidance and ensure that your will complies with state laws.
- Communicate Your Wishes: Inform your loved ones and beneficiaries about your will and its contents. While you don’t need to share all details, letting them know your general plans can help avoid surprises and conflicts. Sharing this information with the organization(s) you’ve included in your plans allows them to show their appreciation, share inspiring and relevant updates, and communicate impact while you’re still interested and involved.
Review and Update Regularly: Life changes, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or significant financial changes, may necessitate updates to your will. Review your will regularly to ensure it reflects your current wishes.
Step 3: Share a Relevant Case Study
Consider Kelly, a long-time supporter of *insert your organization*. When updating her will during National Make-A-Will Month, Kelly included a bequest to us of just 1% of her remaining assets – a relatively small amount to Kelly but a significant gift for us! This decision ensures that her passion for *insert your organization’s cause* will continue to make a difference for years to come. Kelly’s legacy will help fund critical *insert your organization’s cause* for future generations.
Step 4: Encourage Action
Making a Difference Through Your Will: Take Action Today
National Make-A-Will Month is the perfect opportunity to create or update your will. By taking this important step, you can secure your legacy, protect your loved ones, and support the causes you care about. Don’t wait—take action today to ensure your wishes are honored and your impact is lasting.
For more information on including *insert your organization* in your will or to learn about other ways to support our mission, please visit our website or contact us directly. Your thoughtful planning can make a world of difference.
To learn more about how we can help, contact Kelly Grattan or visit https://schultzwilliams.com/planned-giving
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*This post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or legal advice. Please consult with a professional advisor to discuss your specific circumstances.*
